Head of a Boy (Gennaro Falcone?)

About this work

This drawing shows a young boy’s face in red chalk on rough, light-brown paper. The lines are loose and quick, catching his hair, the shape of his nose, and the curve of his mouth. The paper’s texture is visible, making the strokes look scratchy and alive. The artist used only red chalk, which gives the whole piece a warm, earthy tone. This style was common in quick sketches, not finished paintings. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how artists used light and shadow in drawings like this.